But doubts are definitely there. Goalie Martin Brodeur said "probably not being part of the playoffs is something you can't be happy about."

Does that mean it is now impossible for the Devils?

"We'll try to win the rest of our games," Brodeur said.

That is a tall task.

"It's a long shot, no question about it," Patrik Elias said. "Obviously we put ourselves in a difficult position with the last four games (losses to Ottawa, Washington and Boston). Do we think we can win the last nine games? Of course."